FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Yuri Calderon, SSDA Executive Director
Email: yuri@ssda.org
Small School Districts’ Association Stands with Ventura County Schools Impacted by Wildfire
Sacramento, CA — Wildfires continue to have a devastating impact on California’s small and rural communities, disrupting lives, businesses, and, critically, the educational environment for countless students and educators. In response to the recent wildfires in Ventura County and Governor Gavin Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency, the Small School Districts' Association (SSDA) is actively mobilizing resources and support to help affected school districts meet their immediate needs and prepare for a safe return to school.
The fires have disrupted daily routines and created new challenges for educators, families, and students across Ventura County. The impact on education in these smaller communities is profound, as local schools serve as critical centers of learning, stability, and support. SSDA is committed to advocating for and assisting these schools through the crisis and the re-entry process, offering guidance and resources to ensure they have the support needed for both short-term recovery and long-term resilience.
SSDA encourages any affected districts to reach out to the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE), the County Emergency Operations Center, the California Department of Education’s Emergency Team, or directly to SSDA for specific assistance. Below is contact information for these essential resources:
Contact Information:
Ventura County Office of Education
Superintendent Dr. César Morales
Email: cemorales@vcoe.org
Administrative Services Center: 805-383-1900
Ventura County Emergency Operations Center
Ventura County Sheriff’s Office: (805) 654-2380
California Department of Education
Carlos Garcia: jgarcia@cde.ca.gov, 916-323-3926
Joe Anderson: joanderson@cde.ca.gov, 916-323-5025
Districts are also encouraged to report any impacts to their facilities or to their operations or support needs directly through the California Department of Education’s reporting website. For the latest updates on the wildfire situation, please visit Ventura County Emergency (http://www.vcemergency.com), and additional resources are available at VCOE’s Website (http://www.vcoe.org/fire).
About SSDA:
The Small School Districts Association is dedicated to supporting California’s small and rural school districts through advocacy, resources, and hands-on assistance during times of crisis and in day-to-day operations. Our mission is to ensure that every student in small communities has access to quality education, even in the face of challenges such as these devastating wildfires.
For direct assistance, please contact:
Yuri Calderon, Executive Director
Phone: 916-750-0722
Email: yuri@ssda.org